Artwork & Exhibition Overview - Artist's ambitious triptych "Ecclesia" was a centerpiece at the Whitney Museum of American Art [2] - "Ecclesia" was previously displayed at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art [3] - The artist considers a recently finished piece as potentially pointing towards a future direction [4] Artistic Process & Future Direction - The creation of a specific piece took half a year [1] - The artist feels like they are starting over at 52 years old after emptying their mental "rolodex" of ideas accumulated over 20 years [5] - The artist expresses confidence in their ability to create aesthetically pleasing paintings [5] Interpretation & Appreciation - The curator appreciates the ambiguity of whether figures are on land or over water in the artwork [3] - The artwork is described as heavenly, with exceptional color, facial expressions, and light, representing a masterclass in painting light and shadow [3][4] - The artwork is considered the pinnacle of the exhibition [4]

Artist Focus - Amy Sherald paints portraits of Black Americans in American realism style, known for her portrait of Michelle Obama [1] - Sherald's work is displayed in prestigious museums and private collections [3] - Sherald reflects on legacy and how her work will live in the world [2] - At 52 years old, Sherald feels like she is starting over, both exciting and terrifying [7] Artistic Style and Technique - Sherald's "Ecclesia" was a centerpiece at the Whitney Museum of American Art [4] - Sherald aims to capture something that will captivate generations [2] - Sherald describes her artistic process as natural as breathing, knowing what colors will evoke emotion and power [9] - Sherald's work has an optimism, referencing Teletubbies and other sources of happiness [10][11][12] - Sherald's vision presents a perfect, pristine, and vibrant image [13] Exhibition and Impact - Sherald's show at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art featured "Ecclesia" [5] - The luminescent quality of Sherald's paintings is hard to capture on camera; it's best experienced in person [8] - The viewer engages with the person in the painting, locking eyes and creating a connection [8]